Page 39 of The Vendetti Soldier

My mouth drops open. “Ho-ly shit!” I whisper, and he nods, smiling so wide his cheeks must hurt. “We look like fucking badasses,” I whisper, stepping up to the massive framed image that’s been turned into a painting. It is indeed as tall as I am. “It’s life-sized.”

He nods. “Happy late wedding present.”

“You had this commissioned, didn’t you? Is that—” I draw in an excited gasp. “No!”

He nods again. “I contacted that artist you love. The one Violet showed you? Anyway, he doesn’t take on client pieces like this, but when he saw the wedding images I sent him online monthsago, he said he had to paint you, that you are the epitome of a mafia princess.”

“No fucking way. He said that?” I step right up to the masterpiece, wanting to touch the brush strokes, but also not wanting to touch this artist’s creation. It had to take him a long time to do this; there’s so much detail it’s almost like looking in a mirror.

“Blood red has nothing on a Bratva princess in camouflage. The look on your face? I swear, it’s like you and Santino are daring the Irish to come for you. Santino looks like he’ll cut someone’s throat out if they get near you.”

“We look untouchable.”

“Immortal.”

At his word, it hits me… I look like a Vendetti. Like I belong next to Santino, and it’s in that moment I know I did the right thing. I may’ve sabotaged my first marriage arrangement, but it wasn’t meant to be. My place is here, as a Vendetti. With Rorik, Luciano, and my Santino.

“Ror,” I whisper his name, tearing up. Jesus Christ, I’m crying again. “I love it, brother. It’s everything.”

His expression softens, and he tugs me in for a hug. “It’s the baby? Are you feeling okay?”

He doesn’t know the truth. No one does. I pull away. “Rorik,” I open my mouth, about to tell him. Needing to tellsomeone.

“I heard there was a delivery?” I swipe my cheeks as we’re interrupted by Santino, Luciano hot on his heels. “We were in a meeting, but we came as soon as we saw the text.” They glance to Ror; I’m guessing he messaged them before he barged in here. They finally notice the painting, both their eyes widening.

“Wow,” Luciano murmurs, taking it in. “Stunning, bella.” He flashes me his cocky smirk, eyes twinkling with affection. I know he loves me.

“Cazzo, my love, you are breathtaking,” Santino finally comments, flicking his gaze between me and the painting. He comes to me, reaching for my hand. I immediately place my palm in his, allowing him to pull me into his big, strong chest. He gets any buffer and he’ll give Dante a run for his money. “Hi, baby,” he greets softly, kissing my forehead. “I shouldn’t be surprised. I wake up to your beauty every day, and it still takes my breath away.”

My lip trembles. Am I being overly emotional, or is he seriously the sweetest, grouchy Vendetti there is? Drawing in a breath, I attempt to put a bit of distance between us, but he’s not having it. My hands press against his wide chest, but he only wraps his arms around me tighter, one going under my ass to lift me like I’m a China doll. I’m not tiny. At all. I’m curvy everywhere, but this man makes me feel ridiculously feminine. His other palm slides up my back, his big hand moving to grip the back of my neck and partially tangle in my hair. He sits on one of theoversized chairs, arranging me until I’m snuggled against his chest and he can tip his chin down to kiss me.

He's like this a lot now. Touchy. Needy. Ever since he found out I’m pregnant, he has been so sweet it’s only made me fall hopelessly in love with him. “You try to run away from me again and I’m going to let Luciano spank that ass, then I’ll eat it,” he growls, reminding me of the alpha he truly is under the sweetness.

“Mm,” Luciano hums in agreement. “I’m down.” He runs his thumb across Rorick’s bottom lip, making my brother’s eyes light up in response.

As much as I want to get naked, I can’t shake the news I found out today. I mean, I knew it was a possibility, but the doctor told me it could be a mistake. The machine picking up echoing, then it was maybe, but we have to be sure, then it was wait until you’re further along. Violet, Annabelle, and Arianna have been with me at each appointment. They know my secret, and like the adopted sisters they’ve become to me, they’ve kept it quiet. Santino and Luciano were with me at the first one. They were supposed to be with me once we got the sonogram and then every check-up after. It was the deal we made from the beginning. They tried to be with me at every appointment, but once I found out there was a possibility of a surprise, I made them wait. Telling them both the check-ups were better if my sisters-in-law were with me until things got more interesting.

Well, newsflash, things are very interesting at this point, and they have no idea.

“I-I have news,” I speak up, the words taking all the courage inside me to get them out. This is how it’s always supposed to be, though—the four of us. Our own family inside the Vendetti family. It’s what we want, and most importantly, what I want.

“Is everything okay?” Three sets of worried stares land on me, and the pressure builds. I should’ve had Rorick with me, but then it never would’ve remained a secret. Luciano has him so dick-drunk the ass blurts everything out to Luciano. I’m happy he’s as in love as I am, but I wish he could still keep a secret. Well, one that’s not from me anyway.

“I hope so,” I admit.

Santino’s brow furrows, his grip moving to my back to keep me close. He’s not letting me go anywhere. Not that I’d ever run; he’s my forever, and I already know it. “I thought you were going to tell me if there was a complication. You promised.” He sounds hurt, and the last thing I want to do is upset my man.

“I’m okay. It’s the baby…ies.”

They all stare at me in confusion. Silent.

“I’m having two,” I whisper and watch as their gazes widen. Then they’re up, cheering, and Santino’s peppering kisses all over me like it’s his life’s mission.

“Cazzo, I have super-sperm!” he claims. Then he teases Luciano, “Told you I’d knock her up, and with two! There’s no way you can do that, fratello.”

“Hey,” I try to get their attention, but they’re way too excited, and full of shit talking about how Vendetti sperm is above all others. Ridiculous, the stuff they think about. “Hey!” I call louder, this time making them pause and glance to me again. “Uh, here’s the thing. I’ve kind of known for a while it was a possibility. The doctor confirmed, and he also told me something else.”

“Sì?”

---